Sun PhuQuoc Airways Orders 40 Boeing 787s for Long-Haul Expansion

Vietnamese startup carrier Sun PhuQuoc Airways has placed a significant order for up to 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking the largest widebody aircraft deal in the nation's aviation history. The agreement, signed on February 18, 2026, in Washington, D.C., underscores the airline's ambitious strategy to establish long-haul international routes from its base on Phu Quoc island.

The deal positions Sun PhuQuoc Airways, which only commenced operations in the final quarter of 2025, as a serious contender in the competitive Southeast Asian aviation market. The order for the Boeing 787-9, a long-haul, mid-size widebody aircraft, signals a clear intent to connect Vietnam with destinations in North America and Europe, directly challenging established national carriers.

Details of the Landmark Order

The agreement includes firm orders and options for a total of 40 aircraft. If all options are exercised, the deal is valued at approximately $22.5 billion at current list prices, according to reports from Aerospace Global News. This purchase represents a major investment for Sun PhuQuoc Airways, a subsidiary of the Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group, and a significant win for the American Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Boeing.

The Boeing 787-9 was selected for its performance characteristics, which align with the airline's network goals. The aircraft has a typical two-class capacity of around 296 passengers and a maximum range of approximately 14,010 kilometers (7,565 nautical miles). This capability enables non-stop flights from Vietnam to the west coast of the United States or major European hubs.

In a statement, Sun PhuQuoc's Chairman, Dang Minh Truong, said the airline selected the 787-9 because it is "the ideal aircraft to realize our vision of bringing Phu Quoc to the world and bringing the world to Phu Quoc." Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added that the aircraft's "unmatched range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort will give the airline flexibility to open new long-haul markets."

Strategic Context and Market Growth

This landmark order occurs within a context of rapid expansion in Vietnam's aviation sector. Boeing projects the market to be the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, with an anticipated annual growth rate of nearly 8% through 2030. The deal also highlights deepening economic ties between the U.S. and Vietnam, as it was signed during a high-level diplomatic visit. During the same event, national carrier Vietnam Airlines finalized its own order for 50 Boeing 737-8s, valued at $8.1 billion.

The emergence of ambitious startups like Sun PhuQuoc Airways reflects a broader industry trend. New carriers are leveraging modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to disrupt traditional network models. The Boeing 787 offers a 20-25% improvement in fuel consumption compared to the previous generation of aircraft it replaces, a critical factor for managing costs on long-haul routes.

To support this growth, significant infrastructure investment is underway. Phu Quoc International Airport is undergoing a major expansion, including a new terminal and runway extensions, to achieve ICAO Code 4E status required for widebody operations. The project is expected to be completed in 2027, aligning with the potential delivery timeline for the new fleet.

What Comes Next

With the aircraft order secured, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will focus on obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) for its proposed international routes. The airline, which aims to operate a fleet of 100 aircraft by 2030, must build out its operational and commercial infrastructure to support a large-scale long-haul network. Delivery schedules for the Boeing 787-9s were not disclosed, but they will likely be staggered over several years to match the airline's growth trajectory and market demand.

Why This Matters

In my view, this is more than just another large aircraft order. It's a powerful statement of intent from a new market entrant that could significantly alter the competitive landscape in Southeast Asia. Sun PhuQuoc's move to acquire a state-of-the-art widebody fleet from the outset demonstrates a strategy to bypass incremental regional growth and compete directly on lucrative intercontinental routes. This aggressive expansion puts immediate pressure on legacy carriers and signals that the highly competitive, new-generation long-haul model is gaining serious traction in one of the world's most dynamic aviation markets.

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